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Internet Security - VoIP Voice Over
Internet Protocol:
VoIP: It's A
Phone, It's a Computer, It's a ....?
Voice over Internet Protocol — VoIP — is one way people
are making and receiving telephone calls using a broadband
Internet connection rather than a regular phone line. VoIP
converts your phone call — actually, the voice signal from
your phone — into a digital signal that travels through the
Internet to the person you are calling. If you are calling
a plain old telephone number, the signal is converted back
at the other end. If you're comfortable with new technology,
you may want to learn more about VoIP. OnGuard
Online suggests that it's smart to do some research
on this technology before signing up for it.
VoIP Technology
VoIP technology is offered by some companies that specialize
in VoIP service, some traditional telephone and cable companies,
as well as some Internet Service Providers. Most services
using VoIP allow you to call anyone with a telephone number
— including local, long distance, cellular, and international
numbers. Others may allow you to call only people with the
same service. In addition, most VoIP services allow you to
use a traditional telephone through an adaptor, but others
work only over your computer or a special VoIP phone.
If you get VoIP service that allows you to make a call using
a phone with an adaptor, you dial the same way you always
have. If you get a VoIP service that works directly from your
computer, you need to use special software, a microphone,
speakers, and a sound card. If your service assigns you a
regular phone number, anyone can call you from a regular phone
— analog or digital — without any special equipment.
VoIP Services
Many VoIP services include unlimited local and long distance
calling plans (at least within the United States and Canada)
for a fixed price, plus a range of interesting features, like:
- the ability to have more than one phone number, including
phone numbers with different area codes. For example, if
you live in New York and your kids live in San Francisco,
you can have a San Francisco phone number, and their calls
to you will be local.
- integrated voicemail and email message systems so you
can listen to your voicemail on your computer or your email
on your phone.
- with special software and hardware, the ability to take
your VoIP system with you if you travel with your computer.
That means personal or business calls can be routed to you
no matter where you are.
Caveats
Any decision to sign up for a VoIP service should be based
on careful consideration of the facts, and your comfort level
with technology. Investigate the companies you are considering
for your service. Many Internet search engines can lead you
to a wealth of information about consumer experiences with
particular providers.
Issues To Think
About
Terms and Conditions. Ask about the costs, terms,
and conditions of service. Many VoIP providers offer monthly
calling plans: make sure you know the number and type of calls
included in the amount you'll be billed. VoIP plans generally
look inexpensive compared to regular telephone plans, but
don't forget the cost of broadband Internet access. For most
people, that will mean paying separately for cable modem service
or digital subscriber line (DSL) service.
911 Services. The Federal Communications Commission
requires most VoIP companies to provide 911 call services
as a mandatory feature. That means they must transmit all
911 calls, callback numbers, and your registered physical
location to your local emergency authorities or a statewide
emergency operator. Before the provider can activate your
phone service, you must register the physical location from
which you'll use the VoIP service; the provider must give
you an easy way to update that information. Keep your information
up-to-date so emergency services can locate you.
But, depending on your area, there are exceptions to this
requirement that could leave you without access to 911 call
services. Confirm with any VoIP company you're considering
that they provide VoIP 911 call services and ask if there
are any limitations on those services.
Limits of Service
- Phone Number: Many VoIP companies can arrange for
your current phone number to be switched to your VoIP service,
but that could take time; in the interim, you will have
a new phone number.
- Directory Assistance: VoIP services don't have
the same access to directory assistance services as traditional
telephone service does. Your telephone number probably won't
be included in directory service listings provided by the
local telephone company.
- Power or Service Outages: Consider backup phone
service for power or service outages.
- Do Not Call Registry. When you switch your telephone
service to a VoIP provider, you may need to re-register
your telephone number with the National Do Not Call Registry
— even if your number stays the same. In addition, some
actions (changing calling plans or other services, or changing
the billing name on the account) may cause your registered
phone number to be deleted from the Registry — even if your
service has not been interrupted. To verify that your number
is in the Registry, visit www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222
(TTY 1-866-290-4236). Each time you re-register, telemarketers
will have 31 days to take your number off their call lists.
Equipment and Installation. Installing VoIP service
is not as simple as plugging in a telephone. You may have
to connect equipment and adjust to a new system. Note that
there are different ways to use the technology: An analog
terminal adaptor works on your regular phone to enable VoIP
calls. Or you can use special Internet telephones, known as
IP phones, that look like traditional phones but have all
the software and hardware necessary to connect directly to
your computer's router to make or receive calls. If you use
VoIP to make computer-to-computer calls, you'll need special
software, a microphone, a sound card, and speakers. If you're
using VoIP and a phone adaptor to make calls, your computer
doesn't have to be turned on as long as your broadband Internet
connection is working.
Security. VoIP calls are transmitted over the Internet,
which raises security risks that are not an issue with regular
telephone service. For example, VoIP services can be attacked
by computer viruses or worms; you can be subject to SPIT (Spam
over Internet Telephony), a new kind of spam, and left with
mass voice mail messages in your inbox; and you can be caught
in a denial of service attack.
Eagle Internet Security
Recommendation - Symantec Software
Eagle Business Solutions, Inc. is an Authorized Symantec
Affiliate.
Symantec’s Norton brand of consumer security solutions delivers
Internet security and problem-solving capabilities to individual
users, home offices, and small businesses. The Norton brand
of products is a market leader in desktop protection, with
integrated products that work seamlessly to protect customers’
computers from virus outbreaks and malicious attacks. Internet
Security Solutions help defend home and home office users
against viruses, worms, and other security risks. These solutions
include spyware, spam, and personal firewall protection for
PCs, Macintosh® computers, and mobile devices. System Performance
Solutions help users prevent and resolve computer problems.
Backup and Recovery Solutions provide consumers with tools
to undo computer malfunctions and safeguard their important
data. Remote PC Solutions allow users to manage remote computers
securely. Some of Symantec's Norton internet security products
include:
- Norton 360 All-In-One Security
- Norton Internet Security 2008
- Norton AntiiVirus 2008
- Norton Ghost 14.0
- Norton AntiVirus Dual Protection for Mac
Eagle Internet Security
Recommendation - ZoneAlarm Internet Security
Internet Security
Recommendation
Eagle Business Solutions, Inc. is an Authorized ZoneAlarm
Affiliate.
Why ZoneAlarm Solutions for your Small Business? The ZoneAlarm
family of products is among the most popular and successful
Internet security products available today.
We have used ZoneAlarm products to run several small businesses
since 1997. It's the ONLY Internet security software you will
ever need. We highly recommend ZoneAlarm products for your
small business.
Zone Labs is a leading creator of endpoint security solutions
protecting millions of PCs and the valuable, personally-identifiable
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The company's award-winning endpoint security product line
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homes, protecting them from Internet-borne threats.
Review ZoneAlarm internet
security products.
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